Are Cremation Urns Sealed Shut? | Online Urn Store | Eirene

Cremation urns come in a variety of colours, styles, and materials, each designed to fit different preferences and purposes. Since it is the final resting place for a family's loved ones, many want to ensure their ashes are safe and secure. One way this can be done is by sealing them. Below discusses if and how sealing can be done.

Are urns always sealed shut?

When it comes to sealing an urn, it depends mainly on the type of urn, the deceased person's indicated preferences, and their family. 

When a crematorium or funeral home cremates the body of a loved one, the ashes will often be returned to the family contained within a plastic bag and placed in a container or temporary urn. If preferred, the ashes may also be placed directly into the urn if specified beforehand, like the urns available here in this online urn store.

However, in most cases, funeral providers will keep the ashes within a plastic bag if possible. Additionally, most will not seal the urn permanently. This is often the preferred option because it makes it easier for families to transfer ashes if need be.

After the ashes are given to the family, they are free to do with them what they wish. What they want to do with the ashes is one of the significant factors determining whether the urn will be sealed.

Why seal an urn? 

Generally speaking, sealing an urn helps ensure that the ashes do not accidentally get displaced or spilled. However, this may not be a concern depending on the scenario.

For example, if you are choosing to scatter ashes, permanent sealing would not be necessary, as an urn would only be a temporary place for the ashes. Some may also opt to scatter the remains from the plastic bag or temporary urn provided by the crematorium in this case.

Sealing an urn becomes more of a concern when ashes will be kept in a permanent location for an extended period. This would be true for those choosing to keep an urn in a niche or columbarium.

A columbarium is a structure used to store and often display urns containing cremated remains instead of caskets or coffins containing deceased's bodies. It is often filled with areas called niches. A niche is a permanent, above-ground location for the urn, typically in a cemetery.  

In most cases, niches and columbariums are designed to house the urns indefinitely. Therefore, sealing will often be recommended or required depending on location. This helps ensure the ashes remain in their final resting place. Additionally, it may be recommended to keep the ashes in a bag inside of the urn in case it accidentally breaks. Urns made from less breakable material such as wood may also be recommended for this reason. This logic would also apply to those keeping urns at their home.  

If the urn is buried, permanent sealing may not be necessary, especially if the ashes are placed in a biodegradable urn. In the same vein, it may be more helpful to take the ashes out of the plastic bag or line to help with decomposition.  

How are urns sealed? 

The way that urns are sealed depends on how the urn is manufactured. For example, many ceramic urns have a top made to close by twisting the lid into place. This built-in seal is meant to keep the ashes in place; however, some may opt to apply additional sealant or adhesive (e.g., applying silicone sealant to the lid). 

Wooden urns often have a moveable panel that allows ashes to be placed effortlessly within them. Many will keep the ashes within the plastic bag when using a wooden urn. Therefore, sealing will likely not be necessary. However, glue, thread, or other sealants can be added to the panel to keep it shut. 

Some metal urns are made with lids that screw into the top or bottom of the urn. This kind of seal is often entirely secure, so additional sealant may not be necessary.  

There are many other ways to seal urns. Generally speaking, most types of adhesives can help accomplish this. However, it is essential to note that specific options may be permanent, so it is vital to ensure sealing is desired before applying these methods. Additionally, discussing sealing options with a funeral provider beforehand can help ensure the chosen urn will fit your needs.